USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 57
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George Gillis acquired a common-school educa- tion and throughout his entire life has followed general agricultural pursuits. He early became fa- miliar with the duties and labors that are incident to the development of a farm and since taking charge of the property he has displayed a strong and stalwart purpose and unflagging energy- qualities which have brought him a measure of suc- cess that is most gratifying. He was married Oeto- ber 27, 1887, to Miss Amy Rand, a daughter of Henry Rand, a farmer of South Grove township. Unto this marriage have been born three children : Laura Amy, now attending the high school of De Kalb; Alice Mildred, a student in the district school : and George Henry, at home. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Esmond and Mr. Gillis is now serving as one of its trustees. In the work of the church they are deeply interested and their efforts in its be- half have been far-reaching and beneficial. Mr. Gillis is a republican in his political views and has served as school director for nine years.
Irvin W. Gillis, the junior partner of the firm. also first opened his eyes to the light of day on the old homestead, having been born March 31, 1870. He, too, attended the district schools, and for three years he worked in the machine shops at De Kalb. but with the exception of that period has always remained upon the farm, doing his full share in the work of plowing. planting and harvesting and
also in caring for the stock. The brothers are both energetic business men, thoroughly conversant with the needs of the farm and carrying on then work in a manner that has brought them a gratify- ing measure of success.
In 1893 Irvin W. Gillis was married to Naomi Kuter, who died in 1903, and on the 2d of Octo- ber, 1906, he wedded Ella Decker, of South Grove. Ilis political support is given to the men and measures of the republican party and he belongs to the Masonic lodge at Creston and also to the chapter. He is likewise connected with the Mystic Workers of De Kalb, and he and his wife are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Esmond. The families are both widely and favorably known, occupying an enviable posi- tion in social circles, and the brothers are repre- sentative business men who, in their farming oper- ations, display qualities which always lead to suc- cess.
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WILMER R. JOSLYN.
Wilmer R. Joslyn, editor and publisher of the Kirkland Enterprise, has been a resident of Illi- hois since 1863, and for some years has been elose!v identified with the interests and upbuilding of Kirkland. A native of Chippewa Falls, Wiscon- sin, he was born December 12, 1861, one of the live children of Waldo W. and Anna M. (Dig- gins) Joslyn. The father, a native of Waitsfield, Vermont, came to Illinois when a young man and was married in MeHenry county, this state, to Anna M. Diggins, who was born in that county. He followed the occupation of farming and later removed to Wisconsin, where he carried on agricul- tural pursuits for several years. He then re- turned to Mellenry county, where he purchased a farmi, upon which he resided until recent years, but now makes his home in Marengo at the age of seventy-three years. Ilis wife died in 1888. when forty-eight years of age. Four of their chil- dren still survive.
Wilmer R. Joslyn, the second in order of birth, was reared to farm life and acquired his elemen- tary education in the public schools. after which he attended Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa, from which institution he was graduated in due
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course of time. He then returned to Ilinois and engaged in teaching country schools for three years. after which he was principal of graded schools for ten years, proving a capable educator who imparted with readiness an clearness to others the knowledge that he had acquired. Later he purchased a half interest in a paper published at Marengo, MeHenry county, Illinois, there ro- maining for two years, after which he sold out and came to Kirkland on the 1st of June. 1900. He has since engaged in the publication of the Kirkland Enterprise and has secured for the paper a liberal patronage in its circulation and advertising de- partments. He keeps abreast with the progress that has characterized journalism in the last quarter of a century and gives to his patrons an interesting sheet devoted to the dissemination of local and general news.
Mr. Joslyn is a member of Boyd D. lodge, No. 851. A. F. & A. M., of which he served as seere- tary for three years. He and his wife hold men- bership in the Eastern Star chapter, in which Mrs. Joslyn has been an officer for six years. He is likewise a charter member of the Mystic Workers and is in thorough sympathy with the principles and purposes of these different fraternal organiza- tions. In politics Mr. Joslyn has always been a republican and for one year was village clerk. He prefers to advance the interests of the city, however, not in political office, but as a private citizen and through the columns of his paper, and it is known that his support can always be counted upon for any measure that he deems will prove of general benefit.
J. S. RUSSELL.
Among the prominent and representative citi- zens of De Kalb is numbered J. S. Russell, who is now engaged in the insurance and real-estate busi- ness at that place and has also served as justice of the peace for almost a quarter of a century. A native of Indiana, he was born in Warren county. between Williamsport and West Lebanon, Sep- tember 25. 1834, and is a son of John and Mary A. ( Fleming) Russell, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Itis paternal grandparents were Law- rence and Mary ( Huff) Russell, who were from
Virginia and were of Scotch descent. It was in 1189 that the grandfather removed to Ohio and took up his residence in Gallipolis. where the father of our subject was born. Later the family removed to Indiana and settled on the Wabash river, becoming pioneers of that locality. Indians wore still quite numerous and for a time the grandfather rented land from a chief but after- ward purchased the property. He finally sold his farm in that state and in 1842 came to Illinois and bought three hundred and twenty aeres of land in Kingston township. DeKalb county, which he- came the homestead of the family. Here he con- tinued to reside until called to his final rest ju 1856. He was a worthy type of the pioneer and aided in the development of three states.
It was during his boyhood that the father of ou" subject accompanied his parents on their remova. to Indiana, where he grew to manhood amid pir. neer scenes. There he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Fleming and they made their home near Williamsport, Indiana. for some years, own- ing a farm of one hundred and forty acres, where- on our subject was bom. When the son was four- teen years old the father decided to try his for- tune on the frontier of Hlinois and brought his family to DeKalb county. purchasing four hun- dred acres of wild land in Kingston township. to the improvement and cultivation of which he de- voted his energies throughout the remainder of his life. He broke the land and transformed it into productive fields, and in connection with general farming devoted considerable attention to the rais- ing of thoroughbred Bevonshire cattle. After .1 useful and well spent life he passed away on the 11th of October, 1899, honored and respected by all who knew him. In his family were seven chil- dren and four of his sons were valiant defenders of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and all laid down their lives on the altar of their country. The children were as follows: J. S., of this review : W. D., who was a member of the Thirteenth Hlinois Volunteer Infantry and died of sickness while in the army: R. W .. who was a member of the Forty-second Illinois Volunteer In- fantry and was killed at Stone River: S. S., who was a member of the Ninety-fifth Minois Voki- trer Infantry and died after his return home: D. F., who was also a member of the Ninety-fifth Rog- iment and died of sickness while in the army : M
J. S. RUSSELL.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ANTE .. . ._ X TILJEN FUNA ATDOING
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D .. now a resident of Los Angeles, California : Re- becca .A., the wife of Jonathan Holton living at Woodward. Iowa; and Sarah J., wife of C. W. Lance, a resident of Perry, lowa.
Reared amid frontier scenes and environments, J. S. Russell began his education in an old time log school house with its primitive furniture puncheon floor and huge fireplace at one end. Here he pursued his studies during the winter months, while during the summer season he aided in the arduous task of breaking the wild prairie land and cultivating the fields. While his brother: entered the army his services were needed at home. Feeling the need of a better education, he earned the money needed to attend college and from 1855 until 1857 was a student at Mi. Morris, Illinois, pursuing a regular course.
In 1858 Mr. Russell married Miss Margaret Cooper, a daughter of John Cooper. Her parents both died of cholera when she was quite young and she was reared by an uncle, William Cooper, who was born in Ireland, which was also the birthplace of her father. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Russell have been born three children: J. Alva married Sarah Sager and is now engaged in farming in Afton township. Arthur R. is a graduate of the De Kalb high school and is a civil engineer by profession. lle is in partnership with his father and is also serving as city engineer and as water commissioner of De Kalb. Hle married Miss Margaret J. Ken- nedy and they make their home in De Kalb. Mabel C. has now served as deputy circuit clerk for nine years.
After his marriage Mr. Russell located on a farm and for nine years followed agricultural pur- suits. He then purchased a livery stable in DeKalb, which he conducted for fifteen years. and on sell- ing out bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Afton township, turning his attention to the real-estate and insurance business in DeKalb, which he still carries on in connection with his son Arthur R. under the name of J. S. Russell & Son. He is the owner of one hundred and sixty- two acres of land in Kingston township-a part of the old homestead. In business affairs he steadily prospered and he owes his success in life to his own well directed efforts and good manage- ment. The republican party finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles and he has ever taken an active interest in public affairs, serving as the
first president of the DeKalb board of education and filling that office for a number of years. He was also president of the city council one term and while filling that position was supervisor ex-officio. For the long period of twenty-three years he has most acceptably filled the office of justice of the peace and his decisions have always been most fair and impartial for he has an excellent understand- ing of the law. Ile is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is also connected with the Masonic lodge, No. 288, at Genoa. Ile has traveled considerably throughout the United States and Canada, having visited twenty-one states, and he has a broad knowledge of men and affairs. For almost two-thirds of a century he has now made his home in DeKalb county and he can relate many interesting incidents of pioneer life when the deer still roamed the prairies and wolves came prowling about the cabin, making the night hideous by their howling. The stock had to be carefully guarded and there were many hardships and privations to be endured by the early settlers.
MERRITT R. EVANS.
Merritt R. Evans, alderman from the fourth ward of De Kalb and supervisor of farming inter- ests in the county, was born July 1, 18:1. a son of Joseph R. and Helen S. (Simonds ) Evans. The father was born in Shenandoah county. Vir- ginia. February 26, 1825, his parents being Rob- ert and Catherine ( Richards) Evans. The grand- father, a native of Wales, came to this country with his parents about 1807. being at that time three years of age. Having arrived at years of maturity, he wedded Catherine Richards, a native of Virginia and a representative of one of the wealthy and influential families of Shenandoah county.
Joseph R. Evans was reared under the parental roof and educated in the common schools. At the age of eighteen years he went to Columbus, Ohio. and during the succeeding twelve years his time was divided between his native state and the Buck- eye state. In 1850 he started for California, but on reaching the Isthmus of Panama accepted a position there and assisted in the building of the first railroad across the isthmus. He was a man of ability and resource and was made a foreman on
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the construction of the road, remaining there at a good salary until he became ill with chagres fever. when he was brought home. it was thought. to die. However, he recovered and in 1855 he made his way westward to Illinois, after which he spent his remaining days in the counties of Cook. Kane. Will and De Kalb. He located permanently in the last mentioned in 1819. residing here until his death, which occurred March 4, 1891. He was a tinsmith by trade, but engaged in various business enterprises and the latter years of his life were devoted to agricultural pursuits. In polities he was a stanch republican, but was never an office seeker. although he served for a few years as d member of the school board in Malta, Illinois. Ile took the Royal Arch degrees in Masonry and wa- one of the well known and esteemed citizens of De Kalb.
In 1850 Joseph R. Evans wedded Mary Hutch- inson, of Virginia, by whom he had three chil- dren: Iloratio B .. now living in Chicago. Illi- nois: Nein D Ka; R. cago. The wife and mother died in October, 1868. and on the 23d of June, 18:0, Mr. Evans was mar- ried to Miss Helen S. Simonds. of Rutland county. Vermont. a daughter of Joel II. and Minerva (Dayton) Simonds, who on coming to the west located in Sycamore, this county, their daughter Helen being at that time about three years of age. In 1850 Mr. Simonds removed with his family io De Kalb, settling on the present Evans home farm of one hundred and twenty acres, where he contin- ued to reside to the time of his death in 18:1. when he was sixty-three years of age. His daugh- ter, Mrs. Evans, is still living and is now sixty- three years of age. She well remembers when De Kalb was a mere village of only a few houses, one general store, one drug store, a blacksmith shop and a log school house.
Merritt J. Simonds. a brother of Mrs. Evans. was a member of the Forty-second Illinois Regi- ment of Volunteers and was wounded and captured at the battle of Chickamanga. Ile lay on the bat- tle-field. however. for one week before being given attention, when he was taken to the hospital. where he died from the effects of his injuries three weeks later. The Grand Army post at De Kalb was named in his honor. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and a much respected young man. The members of the Simonds family are:
Mary J .. now the wife of Horace D. Ilunt. of De Kalb: Merritt J .. twin brother of Mary J .; and Felen S.
The members of the family of Joseph R. and Helen S. Evans are: Merritt R .. of this review : Vernon S .. a resident of Evansville, Indiana : Grace A., the wife of Benjamin A. Swindell. of De Kalb : Herbert A .. Howard D. and Lloyd H., of De Kalb. Merritt R. Evans was reared at home. acquiring his education in the public schools of De Kalb, and from an early age he was his father's assistant in the farm work. As early as his twenty-first year he practically had entire man- agement of the farm and since that time he has been in control of the business. Ilis political sup- port is given to the republican party and in 1902 he was elected alderman from the fourth ward and has twice been returned to the office, so that he is now serving for the third consecutive term.
Mr. Evans belongs to De Kalb lodge, No. 141. A. F. & A. M. : to De Kalb chapter, R. A. M .. and to Normal chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. His name is on the membership rolls of Barb City camp, M. W. A .: and De Kalb lodge. No. 31. of the Mystic Workers of the World. He likewise belongs to the De Kalb Commercial Chib. He is well known in the city and county where his entire life has been passed and where he has so directed his efforts as to win the respect and confidence of his fellow men. He belongs to one of the old families of the county and is a rep- re -entative citizen here.
JEDSON BRENNER.
Judson Brenner. the wise use of whose native powers and energies has gained him distinction in commercial circles and won him promotion un- til he today occupies the responsible position of general manager for the De Kalb Fence Company and the Union Fonce Company, was born in Youngstown. Ohio. June 21. 1862. His parents, John and Kate (Welk) Brenner, are still living and have resided continuously on the old home- stead since 1863. The father was born in Baden, Germany, February 10. 1836, and the mother's birth occurred in New Middletown, Ohio. June 29. 1841. Mr. Brenner engaged in the nursery business until 1865 and from that year until 1882
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
was superintendent of the Mahoning cemetery. About 1811 he embarked in the marble and gran- ite business and a little later became identified with the general contracting business, in which he is still engaged. Although he had only been a resident of the I'nited States for two years. he valiantly espoused the cause of the Union at the time of the Civil war and fought in defense of the old flag.
Judson Brenner, the eldest of a family of fit- teen children, attended the schools of Youngs- town, Ohio, and was graduated from the Rayen High School at that place in the class of 1881. He entered business life as a bookkeeper, in which capacity he served for eleven years in Pittsburg and Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. In January, 1894, he became associated with E. F. Shellaberger as traveling salesman for the De Kalb Fence Com- pany and in November of that year removed to De Kalb, where he has since made his home. He continued in that capacity until the following September, when he took charge of the corre- spondence and also became general sales manager at the office. At the same time he was elected secretary of the company and in 1896 he was elected treasurer of the Union Fence Company. after which he took charge of the general office business of both companies. Thus he advanced step by step until July, 1902, when he was made general manager of both the De Kalb Fence Com- pany and the Union Fence Company, which is his present business connection. In this capacity he is one of the foremost representatives of in- dustrial and trade interests in De Kalb. Notably prompt, energetic and reliable, he forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution. He is watchful of every indication pointing to success and has wrought along modern business lines. keeping in touch with the trend of progress and improvement which are so noticeable in manufac- turing circles. Moreover, he figures in financial eireles as one of the incorporators of the Com- mercial Trust & Savings Bank of De Kalb and is a stockholder and director thereof. He was one of the organizers of the Belmont Park Cemetery Association of Youngstown, Ohio, and is now one of the trustees. ITe is likewise heavily interested in real estate in Chicago and Youngstown, Ohio. having made judicious and extensive investments in property .
On the 14th of October, 1886, Mr. Brenner was married to Miss S. Grace Abbott, who was born in Rome, New York, November 22, 1863, her parents being Willis G. and Eliza G. (Ward) Abbott. Unto this marriage four children have been born, Frederica Floy, Ralph Abbott, Collis Howard and Bear! Woodlock.
In polities Mr. Brenner is a stalwart republic- an, unswerving in his allegiance to the party and its principles. He has studied closely the ques- tions and issues of the day and has become thor- oughly convinced that the platform and the policy of the party are most conducive to good govern- ment and the welfare of the people. He ha- served as president of the board of education and as president of the board of health, and is never remiss in the duties of citizenship. On the con- trary, he has labored effectively and earnestly for the welfare and progress of the community, al- though he does not seek the honors and rewards of office in recognition of his public service. Per- haps Mŕ. Brenner takes a greater interest in the schools of De Kalb than in anything else outside his home. He has presented to them two splendid collections of natural manufactured products of all countries secured through the United States consuls, and a mineral collection secured by Mr. Brenner in his travels. The first of these was burned just three weeks after it was presented, but has since been practically replaced. He has also given them a collection of mounted game birds of North America and in every way possible manifests a sincere desire to further the school in- terests of De Kalb. He is a collector and has a representative collection of various curios peculiar to the cities and localities he has visited. He has also a fine collection of coins and the finest collec- tion of fractional currency extant. All these are accessible to the children of the schools at all times.
Mr. Brenner has attained high rank in Masonry. being a past master of De Kalb Lodge, No. 144, 1. F. & A. M .: Past High Preist of De Kalb Chapter, No. 52, R. A. M .; Past Commander of Sycamore Commandery, No. 15, K. T .: Past Worthy Patron of Normal Chapter, No. 357. O. E. S. ; and a member of Van Rensselaer Lodge of Perfection : the Chicago Council of the Princes of Jerusalem ; Gourgas Chapter of the Rose Croix and Oriental Consistory, S. P. R. S. He has
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thus attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. Moreover. he is a member of the Grand Council of the Order of High Priesthood in Illinois ; of Aryan Grotto, No. 18, M. O. V. P. E. R .; Medinah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. : Royal Order of Scotland; and St. Johns Conclave (pre- mier), No. 1. K. of R. C., of Constantine.
The advantages and privileges which Mr. Bren- ner received in his youth were rather limited. but he has been a keen observer and through observa- tion and extensive travel has become a splen- didly informed man. who keeps fully abreast of the times. Honesty, method and the lessons im- pressed upon his mind in youth were never forgot- ten. but were put into actual practice in business life. His fidelity and his capability soon won recognition, so that he early filled responsible posi- tions with large concerns of Pennsylvania, and while in the employ of these, he was marked as a man who could be relied upon and he has been found trustworthy at every test. He enjoys the unbounded confidence of those who know him best and in a business way his acquaintance ex- tends to all parts of the United States. Socially he is prominent in his home city and wherever known. He is one in whom nature and culture have vied in making an interesting and entertain- ing gentleman, while the development of his pow- ers with which nature endowed him has made him a conspicuous figure in business circles.
HORATIO A. PERKINS.
Among the prominent and influential citizens of Genoa none stand higher in public esteem than Horatio A. Perkins, who is now engaged in the hardware business in partnership with E. C. Rosenfeld. He has spent his entire life here. his birth having occurred in Genoa, January 9. 1857. and he is a son of Henry N. Perkins, a native of New York, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. In 1837 the father was brought by his parents to Illinois, the family be- coming pioneer settlers of De Kalb county, where he grew to manhood upon a farm. On starting out in life for himself he followed agricultural pursuits until 1856, when he removed to Genoa and embarked in merchandising. Here he mar-
ried Miss Margaret A. Stiles, a native of Vermont. who died in 1880, at the age of forty-two years. He is now seventy-three years of age and since 1892 has lived retired, enjoying a well earned rest.
Horatio A. Perkins is the only son in a family of four children and spent the first seven years of his life upon the farm. The family then re- moved to Genoa and he attended the public schools, but much of his time was spent behind the counter in his father's store, where he carly became familiar with business methods. Having received a good practical training he embarked in general merchandising on his own account in 1880 and carried on business along that line for tive years. About this time he was appointed post- master under President Garfield and filled that office for five years. He next embarked in the hardware trade, to which he has since devoted his time and energies, carrying a large and complete stock of shelf and heavy hardware and making a specialty of furnaces and heating apparatus. Hle is an expert tinner and has built up a good busi- ness. After being in business alone for about ten years he admitted Mr. Rosenfeld to a partner- ship and they now enjoy an excellent trade.
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